The day was cloudy and the rain started as soon as the parade started their trail toward the school house. As umbrellas popped open and people ran for cover, the band marched on. The fall colors of the surrounding mountains made an impressive background as the parade marched on through the light mist. People cheered and decided to ignore the rain as the parade made their way to the school house.

The vendors had already covered their wares and were hoping to wait out the rain. The choo-choo train still went happily on its appointed rounds, and children still lined up to take a ride.

Inside the cozy little rock school, there were quilts to be viewed, and the largest collection of arrowheads I had ever seen in one room. There was even a stuffed bear and a rattle snake. And plenty of pictures of the old mining company and railroad.

Even the kids were getting in on the action, with biscuit making at the 4H demonstration booth. It is good to see they are continuing the tradition of good biscuit making. (They were even giving away free samples).

To top off the evening, we were treated to a rendition of the “Porter Wagner” show featuring such stars as “Dolly Parton”, “George Jones”, “Willie Nelson”, and “Johnny and June Cash”. But when “Lee Greenwood” gave his rendition of “God Bless the USA” the crowd jumped to their feet and with “Old Glory” waving its colors in the back ground, we clapped and stomped with American pride still flowing through our veins.

We went home happy and even the rain didn’t dampen our spirits on this beautiful fall day in the mountains of Tennessee.